Pedestrians have long navigated Gastonia, but now the city wants to hear their thoughts for a plan that could improve the city for people on foot.

The city is holding an open house to let residents voice their opinions about what’s needed or not needed for pedestrians in Gastonia. The input will help form the City of Gastonia’s Pedestrian Master Plan.

Folks can drop in and learn about the plan or share with city officials their experiences of walking in Gastonia, said Rachel Bagley, city spokeswoman.

A consultant hired by the city will also be at the workshop.

Topics of conversation will be open, but residents will be asked about where they would like to see more walkways and crosswalks, as well as what types they use.

A long-range county transportation plan, adopted last January, identifies three places as key in the city’s pedestrian plan. Those include:

Some of the intersections being looked at by the city include Union Road at Hudson Boulevard, Garrison Boulevard at Union Road and Franklin Boulevard at Broad Street.

The plan acknowledges that many gaps in bicycle and pedestrian networks exist, however, and seeking public input is one way to improve.

When the plan is completed it will be sent to Raleigh to determine its eligibility for funding.

You can reach reporter Lauren Baheri at 704-869-1842 or Twitter.com/lbaheri.

Want to go?

What: A meeting to hear from Gastonia residents about the needs of walkers in the city.